National Safety Mechanisms - Ukraine
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists there have been more than 30 killings in Ukraine since 1993. None of these crimes have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Ukraine responded to the Director-General's request for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists every year since 2015 except for 2021.
There are 2 national safety mechanisms being implemented in Ukraine to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes committed against journalists. More information on this initiative is summarised below including relevant links.
Coordinating Committee for Journalists Matter Campaign
The Coordinating Committee for Journalists Matter Campaign has been operational since April 2024.
What activities are carried out?
The Coordinating Committee works to prevent attacks on journalists by assessing challenges they face, providing policy recommendations aimed at improving working and living conditions, and holding trainings session for journalists on safety and risk management.
The Committee implements some protection measures such as providing emergency assistance to ensure physical security, like immediate relocation services.
The Committee also aims to accelerate investigations into cases of intimidation of journalists.
Journalists can request access to these services and received legal consultations through a dedicated website.
How is it implemented? / Who are the stakeholders?
This initiative was in response to the Council of Europe 鈥淛ournalists Matter鈥 Campaign for the Safety of Journalists. The measures are carried out through the coordination of representatives in national and local jurisdictions, which have access to a network of lawyers and advocates from 15 regional centers covering the entire territory.
This is an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine. It works with other government stakeholders, such as the Prosecutor General鈥檚 Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of parliament, and representatives from other central and local executive authorities.
It partners with actors of the journalistic field, which include the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting and the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting.
Civil society organisations such as the Institute of Mass Information, the Commission on Journalistic Ethics, as well as independent experts, specialists and consultants also take part in the work of the Committee.
Free Legal Assistance to Journalists and Media
The Free Legal Assistance to Journalists and Media has been operational since May 2024. The mechanism is also accessible to media workers and fixers.
What activities are carried out?
This initiative aims to protect journalists and media workers from being subject to strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs) by providing legal support for editorial offices, journalists and media workers, at different stage in the legal process. This assistance consists of free consultations in the preparation of legal documents, and assistance in civil, administrative and criminal cases at national level, but also at the regional level in the European Court of Human Rights.
How is it implemented?
The initiative was in response to the Council of Europe 鈥淛ournalists Matter鈥 Campaign for the Safety of Journalists. Journalists can request access to these services and received legal consultations through a dedicated website.
Who are the stakeholders?
This initiative brings together several stakeholders, including, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the NGO 鈥淗uman Rights Platform鈥, and a network of lawyers in all regions of Ukraine in order to provide legal support to journalists.
For more specific information on the national safety mechanisms in Ukraine and those in other countries please follow the links.
